Episoder
-
Go learn more about Jason, Noble Made, and The New Primal
Sustainable Packaging Podcast w/ Cory Connors
Packaging Unbox’d with Evelio Mattos
Beyond the Shelf with Laura Foti
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show notes made by Deciphr.ai…apologies for any errors!
About The Guest(s): Jason Burke is the founder of The New Primal and Noble Made. He started his entrepreneurial journey by running a lawn business in high school and later worked in financial services. After his parents were diagnosed with chronic illnesses attributed to diet and lifestyle, he became interested in food and its impact on health. This led him to start making homemade beef jerky as a healthy snack, which eventually turned into a business. Today, The New Primal offers a range of low-sugar pantry staples, protein snacks, sauces, and condiments made with real food ingredients.
Summary: Jason Burke, founder of The New Primal and Noble Made, shares his journey from starting a lawn business in high school to building a successful food brand. He discusses the importance of disrupting the broken and toxic food system by offering healthier alternatives. Jason also talks about the challenges of scaling up production and navigating USDA regulations on packaging. He emphasizes the need for consumers to vote with their dollars and support brands that prioritize sustainability and clean label ingredients. Jason believes that collaboration and innovation in domestic production can lead to positive changes in the packaging industry.
Key Takeaways:
* Jason's entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a lawn business in high school and later venture into the food industry.
* The New Primal aims to disrupt the broken and toxic food system by offering low-sugar pantry staples and protein snacks made with real food ingredients.
* Scaling up production required outsourcing manufacturing to leverage economies of scale and focus on brand building.
* USDA regulations on packaging posed challenges, but collaboration with packaging suppliers and engineers helped find suitable solutions.
* The cost and performance of sustainable packaging materials remain a barrier, but consumer demand and voting with dollars can drive change.
* Jason believes that more domestic production and hands-on collaboration in the packaging industry can lead to better outcomes.
Quotes:
* "We make low-sugar pantry staples and protein snacks that still taste good made with real food ingredients, but we do that in order to disrupt a broken and toxic food system." - Jason Burke
* "The only way to fight that battle is to offer consumers something different and do my very best to educate people on why it's better and let people vote with their dollars." - Jason Burke
* "If packaging does not protect the product, if it's unable to sustain a product from manufacturing point to consumption point, especially if it's food, then it is not by definition sustainable." - Adam Peek
* "I think if there were an opportunity to do more on-the-fly collaboration, more print approvals, things like that, that would be better." - Jason Burke
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Go learn more about Alex and Baozza at www.baozza.com
Sustainable Packaging Podcast w/ Cory Connors
Packaging Unbox’d with Evelio Mattos
Beyond the Shelf with Laura Foti
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show notes made by Deciphr.ai…apologies for any errors!
About The Guest(s): Alex Cree is the co-founder of Baozza, a company that specializes in creating unique and delicious bao buns filled with pizza toppings. With a background in finance and a passion for food, Alex and his partner started Baozza in China and have since expanded to the United States. They have successfully raised funding, secured partnerships with major retailers, and are continuously growing their brand.
Summary: Alex Cree, co-founder of Baozza, shares the story behind their unique product and the journey of bringing it to market. Baozza is a fusion of Chinese bao buns and pizza, creating a delicious and innovative snack. Alex discusses how the idea for Baozza came about, their initial plans for the Chinese market, and the challenges they faced in sourcing packaging and manufacturing. He also shares their experience of securing funding from Mark Cuban and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business. Despite the setbacks, Baozza has found success in the US market and continues to expand its retail presence.
Key Takeaways:
* Baozza is a fusion of Chinese bao buns and pizza, creating a unique and delicious snack.
* The idea for Baozza came about when Alex scraped pizza toppings into a Chinese steamed bun and loved the combination of flavors and textures.
* Baozza started as a small pop-up concept in China and eventually expanded to a fully branded flagship store.
* The packaging for Baozza was a challenge, as they had to find a way to package the buns in a microwave-safe and steamable format.
* Baozza secured funding from Mark Cuban and used the investment to further develop their product and expand their retail presence.
* The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Baozza's business, but they were able to pivot to online sales and focus on their CPG line.
Quotes:
* "Pizza, baozhi. You could call it a baozza, right?" - Alex Cree
* "We wanted to be a little bit like an Auntie Anne's or a Cinnabon." - Alex Cree
* "Most bao in China is kind of extreme commodity, right? It's extremely inexpensive." - Alex Cree
* "We realized if this concept was going to take off, we were going to need a cold chain." - Alex Cree
* "We were never going to import food from China. That was a non-starter." - Alex Cree
* "The packaging is really the direction of this packaging has been really instrumental to then how we've sourced it and how we've gone about it." - Alex Cree
Timestamp Summary 0:00:02 Introduction and how they met on Twitter 0:02:01 Alex Cree's background and the inspiration for Baoza 0:07:11 The concept of Baoza and the fusion of pizza and bao 0:08:30 The challenges of introducing pizza by the slice in China 0:10:48 The early stages of Baoza, including pop-ups and ghost kitchens 0:12:10 Mark Cuban's involvement in Baoza and how they connected [0:13:26] Mark Cuban's associate visits the Ghost Kitchen in Beijing. [0:14:27] The need for a cold chain and factory-made buns. [0:15:45] Mark Cuban's associate learns about the CPG line. [0:16:18] Mark Cuban invests in Bowser. [0:17:20] Opening of the flagship store in Shanghai and franchising. [0:18:15] COVID-19 impacts the retail business. [0:19:38] Focus shifts to online sales and CPG line. [0:20:56] Expansion to the US market. [0:21:26] Challenges in the Chinese market. [0:23:12] Packaging considerations and finding suppliers in the US. [0:26:25] Introduction to the packaging of Bowser's microwaveable bags [0:27:06] Inability to duplicate the packaging process in the US [0:28:16] Plan to import packaging from China disrupted by COVID-19 [0:28:45] Higher cost of packaging in California due to COVID-19 [0:30:02] Transition from hand-sealed bags to flow wrap packaging [0:30:39] Difficulty in sourcing packaging technology during the pandemic [0:31:44] Use of non-hermetically sealed packaging during the pandemic [0:34:03] Challenges of aligning packaging with copacker equipment [0:35:36] Where to buy Bowser products [0:36:27] Contact information for Alex at Bowser
Keywords:
People of Packaging podcast, Alex Cree, Baozza, peanut butter in a pretzel, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, co-founder, Beijing, China, finance, Mexican restaurants, QMex Bar and Grill, pizza, baozhi, fast casual, quick serve retail, retail experience, pizza fusion, pizza by the slice, ghost kitchen, Hu Tongs, franchisee, Mark Cuban, CPG line, frozen two packs, frozen four packs, Sprouts, Harmons, packaging, carton, hermetic sealing, copacking, SBS board, flow wrap, microperf, Taiwan, COVID-19, North American source, packing lines, store locator, Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, independent chains, unboxing video, steaming, review
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Mangler du episoder?
-
This was such a fun conversation about what is going down at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023
Sustainable Packaging Podcast w/ Cory Connors
Packaging Unbox’d with Evelio Mattos
Beyond the Shelf with Laura Foti
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show notes by Deciphr.ai
About The Guest(s):
* Laura Fody: Chief Marketing Officer at SpecRight.
Summary:
Laura Foti, the Chief Marketing Officer at SpecRight, joins the Packaging Podcast Extravaganza Show to discuss the importance of data and specification management in the packaging industry. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and collaboration in sharing packaging data, especially in the context of sustainability regulations. The SpecRight network is introduced as a solution that allows suppliers to digitize and share data with their customers, creating a single source of truth for accurate and traceable information. The discussion also touches on the challenges of talent shortage and the role of technology in bridging the gap. The episode concludes with a mention of the newly launched SpecRight versus SpecWrong video, which illustrates the benefits of specification management.
Key Takeaways:
* The SpecRight network enables suppliers to share data with customers digitally, providing a competitive advantage in compliance with sustainability regulations.
* Transparency in sharing packaging data can lead to trust-building and stronger customer relationships.
* The SpecRight network allows customers to search for specifications across different suppliers, expanding their catalog of options.
* The importance of data and specification management is driven by sustainability regulations and the need for compliance.
* The SpecRight network accelerates innovation and collaboration across the packaging value chain.
Quotes:
* "Sustainable packaging can be as strong and as good or even sometimes better than the old versions." - Evelio Matos
* "The awareness of the problem [of scattered spec data] is elevating the role of organizations." - Cory Connors
* "The more transparent you are as a supplier, the more profit you can make." - Adam Peek
* "The regulations are driving the need for sharing packaging data efficiently." - Laura Foti
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Josh Becker LinkedIn
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show notes by Deciphr.ai…apologies for any errors!
About The Guest(s): Josh Becker is the Bakery and Confection Segment Manager for Harpak-Ulma, a provider of primary packaging solutions. With a background in engineering and experience in various roles within the packaging industry, Josh is responsible for growing Harpak-Ulma's footprint in the bakery and confectionery segments.
Summary: Josh Becker, the Bakery and Confection Segment Manager for Harpak-Ulma, discusses the role of packaging equipment in sustainability efforts. He emphasizes the importance of considering the entire supply chain and reducing waste at every step. Josh also highlights the need for early involvement of equipment manufacturers in sustainability initiatives to ensure compatibility with new packaging materials. He shares examples of sustainable features in Harpak-Ulma's equipment, such as a vertical bagger with a "tight bag" feature that reduces air in the package, allowing for more efficient shipping and reduced waste. Josh concludes by discussing the challenges of balancing sustainability with consumer demands for variety and attractive packaging.
Key Takeaways:
* Packaging equipment plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts by reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
* Early involvement of equipment manufacturers is essential to ensure compatibility with new packaging materials.
* Sustainability should be approached holistically, considering the entire supply chain and reducing waste at every step.
* Balancing sustainability with consumer demands for variety and attractive packaging is a challenge in the industry.
Quotes:
* "No manufacturer today wants to run less products tomorrow to be more sustainable. They want to run more products and be sustainable."
* "If you can create less waste at every step in your process, you're going to be more sustainable."
* "No one wants an empty shelf, but a lot of times an empty shelf might mean less waste."
* "Sustainability might be on the attractiveness of the package to drive more consumers for the product."
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Dr. Shields LinkedIn
TED Talks
Social by Matthew Lieberman book
The Structure of Scientific Revoltions by Thomas Kuhn book
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
About The Guest(s): Dr. Chelsea Shields is the founder of the Branthropologie Agency and has a background in anthropology, with dual PhDs in cultural anthropology and biological anthropology. She specializes in the field of symbolic anthropology and placebo studies, using her expertise to help brands understand the emotional and psychological impact of their branding and packaging.
Summary: Dr. Chelsea Shields discusses the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological impact of branding and packaging. She explains how symbolic anthropology and placebo studies can be applied to marketing and advertising, and emphasizes the need for companies to focus on how their customers feel. By creating an emotional connection with customers, brands can build loyalty and increase sales. Dr. Shields also highlights the role of research and testing in developing effective branding strategies.
Key Takeaways:
* Packaging and branding can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on customers.
* Humans are only consciously able to process about 40 pieces of information out of the 40 billion they receive every second.
* Luxury brands invest heavily in creating a positive customer experience because their customers value how they feel.
* The placebo effect is not just in the mind; it has a real impact on the body's chemistry and can influence healing and well-being.
* Testing and research are essential in developing effective branding strategies and ensuring that customers' needs and preferences are met.
Quotes:
* "Humans have evolved to react and respond neurobiologically and chemically to how they perceive their environments." - Dr. Chelsea Shields
* "If you're not creating an emotional environment that elicits positive chemicals for healing, then you are harming your patient." - Dr. Chelsea Shields
* "Humans are only consciously able to process about 40 out of the 40 billion pieces of information every second they're getting." - Dr. Chelsea Shields
* "If you're not doing your duty on that second end, you're only halfway done." - Dr. Chelsea Shields
* "If you're not investing in the emotional impact of your branding and packaging, you're doing a disservice to your customers." - Dr. Chelsea Shields
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Dell Computer Sustainability Goals
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Show summary and notes made by Deciphr.ai ;)
About The Guest(s):
Oliver Campbell is a director and distinguished engineer at Dell Computers. With over 25 years of experience at Dell, Oliver has played a key role in driving sustainability and innovation in packaging. He is a member of the technical leadership committee at Dell and has been instrumental in the company's goal of making 100% of its packaging renewable or recyclable by 2030.
Summary:
Oliver Campbell, director and distinguished engineer at Dell Computers, joins Adam Peek on the People of Packaging podcast to discuss his journey in the packaging industry and Dell's commitment to sustainability. Oliver shares how he transitioned from a career in engineering to becoming the packaging guy at Dell, and how his background in automotive and semiconductor industries has influenced his approach to packaging. He highlights Dell's goal of making 100% of its packaging renewable or recyclable by 2030 and discusses the innovative materials and technologies being used to achieve this goal. Oliver also emphasizes the importance of data and information in packaging, as well as the role of packaging in addressing environmental challenges such as ocean plastic pollution.
Key Takeaways:
* Dell is committed to making 100% of its packaging renewable or recyclable by 2030.
* The company has already achieved 94.5% of this goal, with a focus on using recycled and sustainable materials.
* Dell has been a leader in using bamboo and molded paper pulp for packaging, reducing the size and weight of boxes while maintaining product protection.
* The future of packaging lies in new materials, such as blends of bamboo and other fibers, as well as innovative technologies like box-on-demand and 3D printing.
* Information and data about packaging are becoming increasingly important, as companies face regulatory requirements and the need to optimize their supply chains.
Quotes:
* "If we could manipulate the size of the box, we could actually manipulate the supply chain." - Oliver Campbell
* "Packaging is our number one regulatory issue by volume." - Oliver Campbell
* "Packaging is getting taxed, and I think it's just going to end up being more taxed…that regulatory environment is driving innovation." - Oliver Campbell
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Sign up for Commerce Catalyst
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show summary and notes made by Deciphr.ai ;)
About The Guest(s): Matthew Holman is the founder of Commerce Catalyst and the director of Partnerships at Qpilot. With a passion for e-commerce, Matthew has been involved in the industry for several years, working with various brands and helping them optimize their operations and marketing strategies.
Summary: Matthew Holman joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Commerce Catalyst conference, Catalyst 23. The conference aims to provide valuable content and networking opportunities for e-commerce professionals. Matthew shares his motivation behind organizing the conference and highlights some of the key sessions and panelists that attendees can expect. He also talks about his own journey in the e-commerce industry and his passion for helping brands succeed.
Key Takeaways:
* Catalyst 23 is an e-commerce conference focused on providing valuable content and networking opportunities.
* The conference aims to deliver actionable insights that attendees can implement in their businesses.
* Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including content creation, sourcing, operations, and mental health in leadership.
* The conference is designed to cater to different roles within e-commerce companies, allowing attendees to send their teams to specific sessions.
* The event will take place on September 6th at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.
Quotes:
* "Catalyst 23 is all about providing great content and actionable takeaways for e-commerce professionals." - Matthew Holman
* "The goal is for attendees to leave each session with one to three actionable strategies they can implement in their businesses." - Matthew Holman
* "E-commerce is the intersection of technology and psychology, and that's what makes it so fascinating." - Matthew Holman
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Brian Van de Water LinkedIn - email is [email protected]
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Buy Packaging Peeks Kids book
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
Show summary and notes made by Deciphr.ai ;)
The Power of Operational Efficiency: A Conversation with Brian Vanderwater
Welcome to the People of Packaging podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Vanderwater, the CEO and founder of SPL Consulting LLC. Brian has an extensive background in the packaging industry, with over 30 years of experience in flexible packaging, converting, and label manufacturing. He has also worked in other industries, including robotics and microbiology. Brian's expertise lies in strategic planning, lean enterprise implementation, and leadership development.
The Journey to Operational Efficiency
Brian's journey in the packaging industry began with his first job at James River, where he had the opportunity to work in various roles and gain experience in different printing technologies. He quickly became interested in process improvement and embraced the principles of statistical process control (SPC) and lean manufacturing. Brian's passion for operational efficiency led him to take on several turnaround projects throughout his career, where he successfully transformed struggling companies into profitable enterprises.
The Importance of Leadership and Talent Development
One of the key aspects of Brian's consulting work is leadership and talent development. He believes that effective leadership is crucial for managing change and driving execution within an organization. Brian emphasizes the importance of building cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration between different departments. By bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and skill sets, companies can achieve significant improvements in their processes and outcomes.
The Kaizen Approach to Process Improvement
Brian's approach to process improvement is rooted in the concept of Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement. Kaizen involves identifying and eliminating waste in all aspects of a business, from order processing to manufacturing and shipping. By conducting Kaizen events, Brian helps companies uncover inefficiencies and implement changes that lead to increased capacity, reduced lead times, and improved quality.
Achieving Results through Strategic Planning
In addition to process improvement, Brian also assists companies in developing and executing strategic plans. He believes that a well-defined strategy is essential for driving growth and achieving long-term success. By aligning the organization's goals and objectives, Brian helps companies overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the market.
Real-Life Success Stories
Brian's consulting work has yielded impressive results for his clients. In one case, he helped a company increase their throughput by 40% and reduce lead times from 40 days to 14. Another client achieved their ten-year sales growth goal in just four years through a strategic planning and sales process overhaul. These success stories demonstrate the power of operational efficiency and effective leadership in driving business growth and profitability.
The Future of Operational Efficiency
As the business landscape continues to evolve, the need for operational efficiency becomes even more critical. Companies must adapt to changing market conditions and find ways to optimize their processes to stay competitive. Brian's expertise in strategic planning, lean enterprise implementation, and leadership development positions him as a valuable partner for companies seeking to improve their operational performance.
In conclusion, operational efficiency is a key driver of success in the packaging industry. By embracing principles such as lean manufacturing and Kaizen, companies can identify and eliminate waste, improve their processes, and achieve significant cost savings. Effective leadership and talent development are also crucial for managing change and driving execution. Brian Vanderwater's extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable resource for companies looking to enhance their operational performance and achieve sustainable growth
Timestamp Summary [0:00:01] Introduction and background of Brian Vanderwater [0:02:01] Brian's experience in the packaging industry [0:04:25] Brian's turnaround experience in the microbiology field [0:07:08] Advice for college students and young leaders [0:09:49] The importance of EBITDA in measuring business performance [0:15:55] Brian's consulting process and areas of expertise [0:19:43] Examples of results achieved through Brian's consulting [0:21:40] The significance of W. Edwards Deming in the Lean methodology [0:25:02] The importance of cross-functional collaboration in Kaizen events [0:30:11] How to connect with Brian Vanderwater for consulting inquiries
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
This is my first Dscoop event and it’s been amazing!
I got to give the talk on this recording (available to paid subscribers with a free preview for everyone
I got to see Magic Johnson talk! He dropped some crazy knowledge (sorry for the twitter typo!)
Loved reconnecting with Deb Corn, Esteban Garcia, Pete Petrie, Kelly Mallozzi, and met a ton of new frien…
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
What did you think of the new intro beat? You can check out more of AJ’s music on Soundcloud. You can also support him (and free up some space in my office!) by picking up some Weenus Lube!
If you know me much, you know that I love both sneakers and #packaging and so being able to sit down with the great Mike D Sykes from the Kicks You Wear (newsletter link and YouTube link) was a huge treat! If you're into sneakers, Mike is that dude to be following!
Speaking of sneakers, I have been a huge fan of Kizik hands free kicks. They are primed for some incredible growth and proving to people they've been shoeing it wrong! Blake Brown 💭 and his team have built something amazing there and they're just getting started. Their latest collab with Jet Puffed is amazing and I can’t wait to get my feet in some!
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
It's also not too early to join Specright in Vegas or at the Specsummit 2024
Know of anyone who would be a good guest on Packaging Unboxd Podcast, Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors, or People of Packaging Podcast? You can submit an application here!
Show Notes and Transcript provided by Deciphr.ai (apologies for any errors!):
The Evolution of Sneaker Packaging: A Comprehensive Analysis
Hey, everybody. I am delighted today. If you've been listening to the People of Action podcast for a while, you undoubtedly know that I love sneakers and I bring them up a lot. I've done a few unboxing videos and have been following Mike Sykes for a minute. I don't remember exactly how long, but it's been a while. Been a subscriber to the newsletter, following him on Twitter, reached out. Actually, we were both going to be in Vegas. I thought maybe at the same time, but it turned out we just missed each other. But I reached out and I was like, hey, can you come on my podcast and talk a little bit about sneakers and packaging and the role it plays? And he's like, let's do it. So I said, Great. So I'm joined here by Mike Sykes. He is the founder, creator, president, chief of the Kicks You Wear, amongst other so, super appreciative for having you on the podcast, Mike.
Hey, thanks for having me, Adam. I appreciate you. Let's add CEO, Tsar. I'm just trying to think of all the other titles that I could possibly one.
I had one lady on have you seen Beatbox Beverage before? They were on Shark Tank. They're in retail locations anyway, and her name is Amy Stedman. And she was like, my title is Chief. Get s**t done.
I like that a lot. I like that a lot.
You should. It's yours. It's freely given. So you're on the east coast. Are you in the Maryland area or you're just a Wizards fan?
Yeah. No, I'm in the Maryland area. I'm in specifically Upper Marlborough, which is like 30 minutes south side of DC.
Got it. So let's hang out here for just one quick second because we both have likely suffered in our NBA fandom, it would appear, except for I got the joy of exiting my suffering as a Denver Nuggets fan recently. But it was a struggle there for a long time, right? Sure. So how are you feeling about the new direction for your Washington Wizards? I know that you're passionate about it. I'm a passionate Nuggets fan. There's not many. I've never met, like, a passionate Wizards fan, so I was excited.
I always say that there's only like 16 of us. There aren't too many. There are too many. No, let me give people credit because there are lots of Wizards fans here who really love the team. And I would say that this area is a basketball area. The basketball hasn't really been that good, but as far as the new direction, I'm here for it. I've been pro trading Bradley Beal for the last three years or so now. Not that Bill was a bad player, but it was just time. It was just time for it to happen, for everybody to move on.
And you do a really good job. The thing I appreciate the most is I'm a little bit older than you, so I'm in my early forties. And so for me, there's a nostalgia to it as well. And I'm sure that people have nostalgia also, but when I played basketball, I bought Jordans like original sixes and sevens and just wore the crap out of them. And it's become I still have a couple of pairs and they're like they're just absolutely trash from when I was a kid.
But the thing that I appreciate about the Kicks you wear is I'm just like, I love that we can celebrate just wearing shoes that you like and wearing. You do such a great job of like you don't just buy into the Hype because it's hype, right? If you like them, wear them. It's funny because I actually use shoes when I talk about packaging because it's like how you present yourself to the world in a lot of different, almost every social circle, right? Whether it's business, whether it's you go to summer League and you see people wearing all sorts of cool shoes, it's a way that you can kind of present yourself and it's just become this thing where it's I can't if I, if I wear these, it's going to devalue, it's going to do this. It's like, man, it's just so exhausting. Just buy shoes and wear them.
No, I'm so glad to hear you say that. Because the reason why I started the Kickstyware in 2019 was because I couldn't find that content out there. It was me searching for something that had that businessy angle to sneaker culture in the footwear industry, but also not necessarily what you would get from different sneaker blogs out there where it just felt like they were chasing the hype and it was just like, the value of this sneaker is crazy.
This is reselling for that or whatever. That's the part that yes, it's a part of it, but it's not what is at the sneaker's core. The core function of every shoe is to wear it. It means something to somebody and it can tell your story. And I think that diving into that sort of hammering that home for people, it not only just reinvigorates my love for sneaker culture, but it allows other people to love it in the same way I do.
Yeah, that's awesome. It's funny because I do a lot of sustainability consulting with brands around packaging and I'll say the primary purpose of packaging is to protect the product from point A to point B. There's nothing sustainable about returned products, right? You kind of pulled me back in when you said, like, hey, the primary function of sneakers is to be worn. I mean, there are probably a few that are just so exquisite that they're art, you know what I'm saying? But 99.9% of sneakers are built to be worn and not to just sit in a box somewhere.
I go back to that idea often of, like, what's the core purpose here of whatever it is that we're doing? Whether it's making a plastic clamshell for lettuce or you're making a high end thing for Tiffany, it's like, what's the core purpose of this? And for packaging, it's can it get from point A to point B and protect the product the best it can. So you get a little bit of that with shoes, though. I still have not gotten my son keeps trying to get me behind Crocs, and I just can't. Oh, my God, they're so comfortable. They are like, I've worn him. And I'm like you're right. They're comfortable.
I can't do it. I can't do it. I am very much anti Croc, and it's such a shame because they are pretty comfortable. I won't lie. They're pretty comfortable, but they look like thumbs. I just don't want to wear a thumb on my foot. I'm sorry. I can't do it. I can't do it.
It's so true. Well, let's talk a little bit about packaging for sneakers, because to me, it's been a really interesting evolution to watch. As somebody who I would say, I appreciate sneakers when I tell people that I own, like, 100 pairs. Like, normal people are like, that's so many. And I'm like, but it's not compared to people who really are in it, right? So it's like, I walk this fine line of, like, I'm weird to normal people because I have 100 pairs of sneakers or whatever the number is, but people who are in it, it's like, that's light work for a lot of folks.
But I host a packaging podcast. I did a Ted Talk about packaging. I really love this industry a lot. And so I've been watching packaging for sneakers come to the forefront a little bit more just from a box with some paper on the inside of it. Know, for example, when something that a lot of people maybe haven't noticed, but if you order from the Nike website now, you get a box that pops open and it's got a tear strip on there to make your returns a lot easier. You're not ripping tape off. You don't have to get out.
It's actually a big innovation. It's hard to do that. And I've really appreciated Nike's approach to doing that to make it easier for their customer to return a shoe if they want to. So I noticed things like that. I'm curious because you don't obviously come from the packaging industry. Have you noticed things when you do an unboxing video, when you're talking about the latest release, maybe. What are some things you've seen in the evolution of sneaker packaging design or structure or anything?
Yeah, for me, a lot of times there are times where I don't even want to take the shoe out of the box because the packaging is aesthetically. I'm always looking for what's different about the packaging, right? Is it a different strip of tape that somebody's using? Or when I pull the sneaker out, is it wrapped in some paper, a different style of paper? Is it like a brand specific thing? I'm like, I just ordered these asics the Gel Cayano 14 from this company called Dope Factory, I want to say in Italy.
And they sent it. The box had this special tape on it and then I opened it up and the sneakers were in like a sleeve and it was so cool. And I was just like, I don't think I should open like I need to take a picture of this to show people that the extra effort that they went through to package this, to wrap this up, and it was just so cool. So that's one thing that I always look for, and especially when I'm ordering sneakers from overseas websites like that one they're based in.
Anytime you order from there and somebody like Mr. Porter, for example, they'll give you not necessarily over the top, but they will go an extra step to make sure that one, not only is your package secure and safe, but it also looks really just I think that's really cool. Nike, as far as their packaging goes, I think they've gone an extra mile in the last few years with sustainability. There have been boxes that I've gotten from them for the Space Hippie, for example, where it just literally comes in the box.
It kind of tripped me out at first because I've never seen that. But also I think it's really cool. It helps me because I don't have to, one, go through the whole thing of just unwrapping that and trying to open two boxes at once. I can just kind of get through it. But also from the sustainability standpoint, that's less waste and that's something that I can appreciate, I think. Doing that, it doesn't necessarily make me more inclined to buy from one company or another, but it's definitely something that I appreciate as a consumer, for sure.
Yeah. Funny story about the space hippie shoes. They're made from recycled plastic, right? Like some of the regrind and stuff like that. Which is a really cool story. So I bought them and when I did my TEDx Salt Lake City talk and I was talking about packaging, I shared the know, I said, hey, the shoes that I'm wearing were made from trash, basically, and packaging. And I talked about it. So it comes time. So I do the talk. It's, live it's during COVID It's weird they put it out on YouTube because there was twelve people in the audience when I did my talk because they weren't letting anyone in.
And I get this disclaimer that said something like, the Ted community doesn't do something or other with it. And I reached out to the organizer, like, what did I say? That was, like, controversial. I talked about packaging, and they said we couldn't prove that Nike didn't pay you to wear those shoes as a paid sponsorship and do that. I was like, you think that Nike is paying me to wear their shoes?
I just thought it was I. And I totally thought I think that what they did with that, for me, as a packaging and as a sustainability person, was great. And also, the reason why it can't happen is because that sneaker box is part of the product. It's not only functional. So if you get your shoes and that box is damaged, and God forbid, especially now with the resale market where it's at, it's got to be billions of dollars right now having a corner that's smashed in. Or if you just end up throwing the box away when you get tired of your shoes and you want to go resell them, or you want to clear something out, you're talking about a pretty big price delta in some cases having not been involved in the reseller market very much at all.
Yep. No, that makes sense. I'm just looking at the time, and I'm realizing we've been talking for a solid 25 minutes, which is great, and I'm sure I could talk a lot longer, but after a couple of hundred episodes, I found that most people at about 2025 minutes, are like, all right, bud, I got to get on with my day. But I know you have a ton of content out there. I want to give you a chance for people who are listening to this. Who.
The packaging industry is huge, by the way. It's a trillion dollar global industry. It's one of the largest in the world. Most people don't realize it, but every single thing in your room got there because of packaging. Or part of the reason was it there's lots of sneaker heads in the packaging industry. I was just at the show, and you're just walking around the show, and you're seeing more and more people walking around.
They're taking their sneaker game seriously. So I want to give you a chance for people to connect up with you, follow you, subscribe to the newsletter, do all the stuff. So how do people get more of you and follow you?
You can subscribe to the Kicks you wear at KYW. Substack.com. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok. I think at Sykes and Threads, too. I made the jump. I'm going for it. Lots of sneaker content over there. So, yeah, Threads is really weird. It's like a bare bones Twitter, but that's neither here nor there. But you can follow me there. And yeah, I will be posting all of my content on those social accounts.
Yeah, I love it. My podcast is on substac as well. I've really enjoyed substack. I think actually, the first time I heard about it was from your newsletter. I was like, what is this? Because I was struggling with just different things, and it seemed to be the easiest. So appreciated that. If you're listening to this, you're in your car, you're out for a run, or whatever it is. First of all, congrats on being on a run. You're a better person than me.
But I'll have all the links in the show notes. You can just click on those, subscribe to his newsletter. Follow Mike on all the socials mike, I really appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time. Too bad we couldn't do this in person, but I'm glad that you are not in the 118 degree heat here in Las Vegas. So congratulations to you for escaping before it got too horrible.
Thanks for having me, man. Yeah.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!
It's also not too early to join Specright in Vegas or at the Specsummit 2024
Know of anyone who would be a good guest on Packaging Unboxd Podcast, Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors, or People of Packaging Podcast? You can submit an application here!
Podcast this week:
Rosalyn Bandy from TLMI and Adam Frey from Wausau Coated Products, Inc came on the People of Packaging Podcast!
Join TLMI and Wausau Coated as we explore the world of label release liners and their impact on sustainability. Discover how we can work together to create a more sustainable future for the packaging industry. #Sustainability #CircularEconomy
Don't have time to listen to the entire episode? Well you're in luck! Deciphr.ai has used the internet to write a lovely summary article!
The Future of Label Release Liners: A Sustainable Solution
Introduction
Label release liners play a crucial role in the packaging industry, serving as the carrier for labels on various products. However, the issue arises when it comes to the disposal of these release liners after the labels have been applied. Currently, the majority of release liners end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and sustainability concerns. In this thought-provoking discussion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Frey, Business Manager of Rolled Products at Wausau Coated, and Roz Bandy, VP of Sustainability at the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI). We delved into the challenges surrounding label release liner recycling and explored potential solutions to create a more sustainable future for the industry.
Understanding the Label Release Liner
Adam Frey highlighted the significance of label release liners, explaining that they can be made from either paper or film and serve as the carrier for labels seen on everyday packaging. However, once the label is applied, the question arises: what should be done with the release liner? Currently, the default option is landfill, which is far from ideal considering the energy-intensive process involved in manufacturing release liners. Adam emphasized the need to find alternative uses for this valuable product, rather than simply discarding it.
Roz Bandy added that TLMI has been working towards raising awareness about the recyclability of release liners. She mentioned that paper release liners, which account for approximately 85% of pressure-sensitive labels, have recently been recognized as a high-quality product by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). This recognition opens up opportunities for recycling and repurposing release liners, but there are challenges to overcome.
The Challenge of Recycling Release Liners
One of the main obstacles to recycling release liners is the lack of volume. Roz explained that mills interested in recycling release liners require a significant amount of material, typically around 50,000 pounds, to qualify it for their processing. However, finding copackers or consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies willing to set aside such a large volume of release liners for recycling has proven to be a challenge. This lack of supply hinders the ability to meet the demand from mills interested in recycling release liners.
Additionally, the issue of contamination arises when paper release liners are mixed with pet release liners during the recycling process. Roz mentioned that some pet liner recyclers have stopped accepting release liners due to the high levels of contamination caused by paper labels. This contamination not only affects the quality of the recycled material but also results in financial losses for recyclers. It is crucial for copackers and CPG companies to be mindful of the contamination issue and ensure that the release liners they send for recycling are free from excessive paper labels.
Creating a Circular Economy for Release Liners
To address the challenges surrounding release liner recycling, collaboration and education are key. Adam Frey emphasized the importance of joining TLMI and actively participating in committees focused on sustainability. By working together, industry stakeholders can share ideas, educate one another, and find innovative solutions to improve the recycling process for release liners.
Roz Bandy highlighted TLMI's efforts in providing education and resources to its members and the wider industry. TLMI's website offers valuable information on release liner recycling, including documents explaining the recyclability of release liners and a map of recyclers across the country. This map allows copackers and CPG companies to locate nearby recyclers, reducing shipping costs and facilitating the recycling process.
The Role of Manufacturers and Brands
As a manufacturer of pressure-sensitive roll stocks, Adam Frey emphasized the need for manufacturers to explore ways to make release liners more repulpable and environmentally friendly. By collaborating with paper mills and engaging in ongoing discussions, manufacturers can work towards creating a conduit for the recycling of release liners. Additionally, manufacturers can incorporate sustainability messaging on shipping documents and explore the possibility of printing recycling information and QR codes on the end rolls of release liners. This would provide easy access to recycling information for copackers and CPG companies, encouraging them to recycle their release liners.
TLMI's Role in Driving Change
TLMI, as a trade association, plays a crucial role in driving change within the label industry. Roz Bandy highlighted TLMI's collaborative efforts with organizations like C Lab, which focuses on creating a circular economy for labels in the United States. TLMI provides education, resources, and platforms for industry stakeholders to come together and work towards a common goal of sustainability. By sharing ideas, developing projects, and staying informed about upcoming legislation, TLMI members can stay ahead of the curve and prepare for future sustainability mandates.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The issue of label release liner recycling is a complex one, but it is one that the label industry must address to create a more sustainable future. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, industry stakeholders can find solutions to increase the recycling of release liners and reduce their impact on the environment. The efforts of organizations like TLMI, manufacturers like Wausau, and the commitment of copackers and CPG companies are crucial in driving this change. By working together, the label industry can pave the way for a circular economy, where release liners are repurposed and recycled, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Next week's podcast episode is going to be an awesome look into #sneakers and #packaging with Mike Sykes from the Kicks You Wear and a potential surprise #unboxing with a dope collab!
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
18.21 Manmade Site
18.21 IG
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
About The Guest(s):
Aston Lafon is the President and Co-founder of 1821 Manmade, a men's grooming brand that specializes in top shelf grooming goods for the aspiring gentleman. With a background in importing, exporting, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and branding, Aston has successfully built a brand that is known for its unique packaging, fragrances, and performance.
Summary:
Aston Lafon, President and Co-founder of 1821 Manmade, joins Adam Peek on the People of Packaging podcast to discuss the brand's journey and their focus on creating top shelf grooming goods for men. Aston explains that the brand draws inspiration from the Prohibition era, with packaging that pays homage to bootlegging and fragrances that evoke the feeling of whiskey, tobacco, and Route 66. He emphasizes the importance of packaging in creating an emotional bond with customers and shares how 1821 Manmade's packaging stands out by feeling substantial and masculine. Aston also highlights the brand's commitment to performance, ensuring that their products not only look and smell great but also deliver on their promises.
Key Takeaways:
* 1821 Manmade creates top shelf grooming goods for men, drawing inspiration from the Prohibition era.
* The brand's packaging pays homage to bootlegging and stands out by feeling substantial and masculine.
* Fragrances are a key component of the brand, with scents that evoke whiskey, tobacco, and Route 66.
* 1821 Manmade prioritizes performance, ensuring that their products not only look and smell great but also deliver on their promises.
Quotes:
* "We make top shelf grooming goods for the aspiring gentleman." - Aston Lafon
* "The packaging is what creates that impulsive interest." - Aston Lafon
* "We develop very experiential fragrances." - Aston Lafon
* "Performance is very important because the other two things could be a gimmick." - Aston Lafon
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy.com
Sticky’s Locations
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
About The Guest(s):
* Bradley Saveth: Co-founder, President, and COO of Supply Caddy, a global manufacturer of packaging and disposables for the fast casual, QSR, travel, and retail industries.
* Jon Sherman: Founder and CEO of Sticky’s, a restaurant chain specializing in gourmet chicken fingers and globally inspired dipping sauces.
Summary:
Bradley Saveth, President and COO of Supply Caddy, and John Sherman, Founder and CEO of Sticky’s, join the podcast to discuss their collaboration in the packaging industry. Stickies, a restaurant chain known for its gourmet chicken fingers and unique dipping sauces, faced supply chain challenges during the pandemic. Supply Caddy, a global manufacturer of packaging and disposables, provided innovative solutions to meet Stickies' packaging needs. The conversation highlights the importance of packaging in the food service industry, especially in the context of off-premise consumption and delivery. The guests also share their passion for creating exceptional customer experiences through high-quality products and branding.
Key Takeaways:
* Supply Caddy specializes in manufacturing packaging and disposables for the fast casual, QSR, travel, and retail industries.
* Stickies is a restaurant chain known for its gourmet chicken fingers and globally inspired dipping sauces.
* Packaging plays a crucial role in off-premise consumption and delivery, especially during the pandemic.
* Supply Caddy and Stickies collaborated to develop a portion cup that accommodates Stickies' large and juicy chicken tenders.
* Stickies' brand experience extends to its packaging, which reflects the vibrant and playful nature of the restaurant.
Quotes:
* "The most sustainable thing that you can do is get to know your product specifications, your packaging specs." - Adam Peek
* "We believe we can really take Supply Caddy to all ends of the packaging world." - Bradley Saveth
* "Chicken fingers are this beloved item… everyone eats chicken fingers." - John Sherman
* "We really wanted to take that nostalgic childhood product and bring a culinary twist to it." - John Sherman
* "We put all this effort into designing these really cool, funky-looking restaurants. But if you're ordering delivery, then you don't get that experience." - John Sherman
* "We had already really designed our offering and our packaging to be optimized for off-premise consumption." - John Sherman
* "We have a business that's built on dipping." - John Sherman
* "We try to innovate product as much as possible… we created a portion cup that had an extra wide diameter to enable you to fit that whole tender in there." - Bradley Saveth
* "Stickies is an institutional name that every New Yorker knows… if they've had it, they love Stickies." - Bradley Saveth
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
PPC Website
Brandon Frank LinkedIn
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
About The Guest(s): Brandon Frank is the Vice President of Pacific Packaging Components (PPC), a 53-year-old packaging distributor and broker based in Baldwin Park, California. Brandon grew up in the packaging industry, as his family started the business in 1970. After working in various industries, including real estate and summer camp directing, Brandon returned to the family business and has been running it for the past five years.
Summary: In this episode, Adam Peek interviews Brandon Frank, the Vice President of Pacific Packaging Components (PPC). PPC is a packaging distributor and broker that helps brands solve their packaging problems by connecting them with suppliers. Brandon shares his journey of growing up in the packaging industry, working in various industries before returning to the family business, and the importance of transparency and sustainability in the packaging industry. They also discuss the current trends and conversations at Cosmoprof, with a focus on sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
* PPC is a packaging distributor and broker that helps brands solve their packaging problems by connecting them with suppliers.
* Brandon grew up in the packaging industry and initially didn't want to work in the family business, but eventually returned and has been running it for the past five years.
* Transparency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important in the packaging industry, and brands are starting to demand more information about the supply chain and the sustainability of packaging materials.
* The last day of trade shows like Cosmoprof can be the best time to have meaningful conversations with brands, as most buyers have already left and there is less crowding in the booths.
Quotes:
* "We're a 53-year-old packaging distributor or broker. Brands have packaging problems or projects, and they come to us to solve those problems." - Brandon Frank
* "I was literally born into the world of packaging. One of my earliest memories was my dad teaching me about bad packaging." - Brandon Frank
* "The brands are the ones driving the sustainability conversation, and some brands are really into it while others don't care at all." - Brandon Frank
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Sweet Gwendoline Website
Sweet Gwendoline IG
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
Show Notes: People of Packaging Podcast with Sweet Gwendolin French Gin
Guests: Kevin Byer, Head of Marketing, and Larry Mcgearty, Founder and Assistant to the Head of Marketing at Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin.
Introduction:
In this episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, Adam Peek interviews Kevin Byer and Larry Mcgeerty from Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin. Kevin is the Head of Marketing at Sweet Gwendolyn, and Larry is the Founder and Assistant to the Head of Marketing.
Overview:
In this interview, Kevin and Larry discuss the story behind Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin, the inspiration behind their unique packaging, and the challenges they faced in bringing their brand to life. They also talk about the importance of brand activation and marketing in the spirits industry, as well as the process of label approval. Additionally, the conversation delves into the complexity of delivering a brand promise in today's digital age, and the importance of creating a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.
Timestamped Chapter Summary:
* Introduction to the guests and their roles at Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin. [0:00:00]
* Kevin's background in the spirits industry and his role as Head of Marketing at Sweet Gwendolyn. [0:02:09]
* Larry's background in advertising and the creative inspiration behind Sweet Gwendolyn. [0:04:12]
* The meaning behind "Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin" and the uniqueness of gin as a spirit. [0:05:36]
* The story behind the artwork on the Sweet Gwendolyn packaging and the challenges of bringing it to life. [0:07:00]
* The ingredients and flavor profile of Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin. [0:06:42]
* The importance of brand activation and marketing in the spirits industry. [0:12:50]
* The challenges of label approval in the spirits industry and the process of getting a label approved. [0:16:58]
* The role of packaging in the spirits industry and the importance of standing out on the shelf. [0:19:20]
* The complexity of delivering a brand promise in today's digital age and creating a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints. [0:09:50]
* The future of Sweet Gwendolyn and their plans for expansion. [0:24:07]
* The Sweet Gwendolyn tasting experience and its success in creating a memorable brand experience. [0:12:50]
* The attention to detail and challenges in creating the packaging for Sweet Gwendolyn. [0:14:31]
* The collectible images on the back of the bottle and their uniqueness. [0:18:50]
* The exploration of smart packaging and the importance of not just adding bells and whistles, but making sure it aligns with the brand. [0:19:20]
* The success of the Salon of Delights audio idea in transforming the Sweet Gwendolyn brand experience. [0:21:25]
* The importance of packaging in creating an emotional connection with consumers and the challenges of navigating different regulations for different countries. [0:23:56]
* The potential for a future podcast episode on Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin. [0:24:52]
Links and Resources:
* Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin website: https://www.sweetgwendolyn.com/
* Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetgwendolynfrenchgin/
* Bizarre Magazine: https://www.bizarremag.com/
Quotable Phrases:
* "Working with a smaller brand is that you get to wear a lot of hats and do a lot of things." - Kevin Byer [0:02:52]
* "We wanted to create a brand that would delight and bewitch." - Larry Mcgeerty [0:05:23]
* "You can create beautiful packaging, but if the product doesn't capture the essence of what you're trying to do and is good, you've just got a beautiful package." - Larry Mcgeerty [0:19:20]
* "It's not good enough to just have a really killer label…Now it has to be consistent and follow all the way through from the digital experience to the website to Instagram." - Adam Peek [0:10:28]
* "People are almost transformed when they hold the bottle." - Kevin Byer [0:22:18]
* "It can't just be bells and whistles. I think you need to do things that make sense for what the brand is and aren't, I don't know, a trend we don't want." - Larry Mcgearty [0:19:20]
Conclusion:
In this episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, Kevin Byer and Larry Mcgearty from Sweet Gwendolyn French Gin share their insights on the importance of brand activation, marketing, and packaging in the spirits industry. They also discuss the challenges they faced in bringing their unique brand to life, the process of label approval, and the role of packaging in standing out on the shelf. Additionally, the conversation delves into the complexity of delivering a brand promise in today's digital age and creating a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints. Finally, they share their plans for expansion in the future. The episode also includes discussions on the Sweet Gwendolyn tasting experience, the attention to detail and challenges in creating the packaging, and the potential for future podcast episodes.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy
Jonathan Cage LinkedIn
Crazy About Packaging Podcast
ICPG Instagram
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
About The Guest(s):
Jonathan Cage is the Director of Business Development at ICpG and the co-host of the Crazy About Packaging podcast. With a background in packaging, Jonathan has extensive experience in the industry, particularly in food packaging and rigid materials.
Summary:
Jonathan Cage, the Director of Business Development at ICpG and co-host of the Crazy About Packaging podcast, joins Adam Peek to discuss his journey in the packaging industry and the challenges of sustainability and material replacement. Jonathan shares his experience working with various types of packaging, including food and medical applications, and highlights the complexity of replacing materials like polystyrene. He also discusses the importance of education and collaboration in navigating extended producer responsibility (EPR) and designing for recyclability. The podcast aims to elevate and educate listeners on the benefits of plastics and address current issues and regulations in the packaging industry.
Key Takeaways:
* Replacing materials in packaging is a complex process that requires consideration of performance properties, application requirements, and regulations.
* The development of sustainable packaging materials, such as ICpG's XPP material, involves extensive testing and collaboration between packaging producers, resin suppliers, and brand owners.
* Education and dialogue with brand owners and industry stakeholders are crucial in navigating extended producer responsibility (EPR) and designing for recyclability.
* Extending the shelf life of food packaging can significantly reduce food waste and contribute to sustainability efforts.
Quotes:
* "If it was that easy to create a solution, both financially or for sustainability, great, that would be perfect. But it's not. It is extremely challenging." - Jonathan Cage
* "To replace a material, to come up with a new material, whether it's compostable, biodegradable, comes from Mother Earth, that is complex, that is not an easy solution." - Jonathan Cage
* "We need to be able to come to common ground where that is all streamlined, simplify, and educate." - Jonathan Cage
* Timestamp Summary [0:00:02] Introduction of Jonathan Cage and the Crazy About Packaging podcast [0:02:44] Jonathan's background in packaging and his passion for sustainability [0:07:23] Development of XPP material as a replacement for polystyrene [0:10:08] Challenges in replacing materials and the complexity of packaging [0:14:20] Educating CPG companies on sustainability and EPR [0:18:17] Concerns about the rollout of EPR and its impact on consumers [0:23:52] Overview of the Crazy About Packaging podcast and its topics [0:25:50] Advice for sustaining a podcast in the packaging industry [0:26:19] Contact information for Jonathan Cage [0:27:00] Closing remarks and passion for sustainability in packaging
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy
Andrew Frazer LinkedIn
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai :)
Show Notes: Packaging and Business Development with Andrew Fraser
Introduction
In this episode, Adam interviews Andrew Fraser, the Key Account Manager at Berry Cap, who shares his journey in the packaging industry and his passion for business development and relationship management.
Overview of Topics
* Andrew's background and career journey
* The importance of customer interactions in business development
* The pharmaceutical packaging industry and its challenges
* The role of a key account manager in the packaging industry
* The impact of COVID-19 on the packaging industry
* The benefits of continuous learning and education
* The value of an MBA and continuous learning
* The transition from working at a large corporation to a smaller, family-owned business
* The manufacturing process of caps in the packaging industry
* The importance of sustainability in packaging
Timestamped Chapter Summary
* Introduction to Andrew Fraser and his background (0:00:02)
* Andrew's experience in customer interactions and passion for business development (0:01:18)
* Andrew's role in the pharmaceutical packaging industry (0:05:16)
* Andrew's current role as a key account manager at Berry Cap (0:06:14)
* The impact of COVID-19 on the packaging industry (0:08:28)
* Andrew's experience being called a Yankee and his thoughts on sweet tea (0:07:21)
* Andrew's advice for students interested in sales and the benefits of continuous learning (0:12:02)
* The value of an MBA and continuous learning (0:13:37)
* The transition from working at a large corporation to a smaller, family-owned business (0:14:23)
* The importance of continuous learning and education for revenue generation roles (0:15:16)
* The manufacturing process of caps in the packaging industry (0:19:25)
* The importance of sustainability in packaging (0:23:06)
Relevant Links and Resources
* Berry Cap: https://www.berryglobal.com/products/closures-and-devices/caps
* Honeywell:
https://www.honeywell.com/
* Sonoco:
https://www.sonoco.com/
Quotable Phrases
* "I found a passion for business development, strategy, relationship management." (0:01:18)
* "You think about what you're protecting when you're producing the packaging for pharmaceuticals, for life-saving drugs, and it's really interesting." (0:05:16)
* "It's not just about selling a product, it's about building a relationship." (0:06:14)
* "The basis is continuous learning...that's how you succeed." (0:12:57)
* "If you can go get that education both on the streets, like in your job, you're getting that and then you're also augmenting it with some more, I don't know, higher level education in terms of I don't mean higher, like more important, but just like textbook kinds of education." (0:15:16)
* "There's been so much more decision making in my role today because it's a small team and we still have to do all the same functions, make all the same decisions, and I feel more a little leaner and more agile at a smaller company." (0:18:39)
* "Sustainability. If you're going into this industry, that is what it's about day in and day out." (0:25:28)
Social Media Handles
* Andrew: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-fraser-0bba7b36/
Conclusion
Andrew Fraser's journey in the packaging industry highlights the importance of customer interactions, business development, and relationship management. His experience in the pharmaceutical packaging industry and as a key account manager at Berry Cap provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the packaging industry. The impact of COVID-19 on the packaging industry has also been discussed, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation. Andrew's advice for students interested in sales and the benefits of continuous learning further reinforce the importance of personal and professional growth. Additionally, the conversation delved into the value of an MBA and continuous learning, the transition from working at a large corporation to a smaller, family-owned business, the manufacturing process of caps in the packaging industry, and the importance of sustainability in packaging. Andrew's insights on the importance of sustainability in packaging underscore the need for continuous innovation in the industry to reduce waste and increase recyclability.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy
Smakk Studios
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes (generated from Deciphr.ai):
Show Notes: People of Packaging Podcast with Katie Klencheski
Introduction
Katie Klencheski is the Founder and CEO of Smack Studios, an agency that focuses on branding, design, and wellness. She has been in the industry for over a decade and has worked with various clients, including the Trump Hotel Collection. However, after the 2016 election, Katie decided to pivot her agency to work only with brands that make the world a better place. She is also a leader within Al Gore's group, the Climate Reality Project.
Overview
In this episode of the People of Packaging podcast, Katie Klencheski talks about her agency, Smakk Studios, and its focus on sustainability and well-being. She also shares her experience working with the Trump Hotel Collection and how it influenced her decision to pivot her agency's focus. Additionally, Katie discusses her training with Al Gore's group, the Climate Reality Project, and how it has helped her understand sustainability and the climate crisis. Later in the conversation, they discuss the challenges of pivoting a business towards sustainability, the importance of collaboration, and the surprising things Katie has learned about sustainability and packaging. Finally, Adam and Katie talk about a recent rebranding project for Taboo, a sexual wellness brand.
Timestamped Chapter Summary
* Introduction of Katie Klencheski and her background (0:00:02)
* Katie's decision to pivot her agency's focus after the 2016 election (0:04:18)
* Katie's training with the Climate Reality Project (0:05:50)
* The challenges of pivoting a business towards sustainability (0:07:15)
* The changing nature of work and collaboration (0:07:52)
* Smack Studios' approach to branding and design (0:08:32)
* The importance of delivering on a brand promise across different touchpoints (0:09:23)
* The surprising things Katie has learned about sustainability and packaging (0:11:53)
* The challenges of calculating sustainability in absolute terms (0:13:02)
* The issues with virgin plastic and post-consumer plastic (0:13:35)
* The need for more work to be done in sourcing materials and informing consumers (0:14:47)
* The difficulty in defining sustainability and the importance of making the best decision with what we know (0:15:31)
* The misinformation around plastics and the industry's interest in selling virgin plastic (0:16:18)
* The recent rebranding project for Taboo, a sexual wellness brand (0:18:31)
* The process of rebranding for Taboo, a sexual wellness brand (0:19:01)
* The unique target audience of Taboo and its founder's story (0:19:43)
* The strategy and research behind the rebranding of Taboo (0:20:16)
* The core brand concept for Taboo and its unique positioning (0:21:31)
* The importance of creating an elevated experience for Taboo's packaging and visual identity (0:23:16)
* The integration of the rebrand into Taboo's ecommerce experience (0:24:25)
* The process of creating positive tension and alignment with values during the design process (0:24:59)
Relevant Links/Resources/References
* Smakk Studios website:
https://smakkstudios.com/
* Climate Reality Project website: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/
Quotable Phrases/Takeaways
* "Sometimes clients that maybe you didn't think too hard about become forces for not so great things." - Katie Klencheski (0:04:54)
* "We really wanted to focus on sustainability because I think anybody who works in packaging, you want to see your beautiful work on shelf and retail and things like that. You don't want to see it washing up on a beach because plastic never biodegrades." - Katie Klencheski (0:05:50)
* "It's never just kind of going straight for a tactical touch point. It's really thinking about how do we take the through line of what's important to this brand and make sure it shows up appropriately in all of those places." - Katie Klencheski (0:10:45)
* "A lot of times we go into people just say plastic is bad, and that's something that I think there's a reason for that. Plastic does not biodegrade." - Katie Klencheski (0:12:22)
* "It's good to know that there are people out there who are aware of this and constantly learning and saying, like, well, let's just make the best decision with what we know right now and continue to push and advocate for better, more sustainable choices, potentially even legislation like you mentioned." - Adam Peek (0:15:31)
* "This consumer who's going through menopause is a different consumer than her mother's generation was and is ready to have more evolved conversations around sexual wellness." - Katie Klencheski (0:21:55)
Social Media Handles/CTAs
* Adam Peek Twitter: @packagingpastor
*
Conclusion
Katie Klencheski's story is a testament to how one can pivot their business and make a positive impact on the world. Her agency, Smakk Studios, is a great example of how sustainability and well-being can be integrated into branding and design. As we continue to face the climate crisis, it's important to support businesses like Smack Studios that prioritize sustainability and well-being. The conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration and delivering on a brand promise across different touchpoints. Finally, Katie shares some surprising things she has learned about sustainability and packaging, including the challenges of calculating sustainability in absolute terms and the issues with virgin plastic and post-consumer plastic. The conversation ends with a discussion of a recent rebranding project for Taboo, a sexual wellness brand, and the process of creating positive tension and alignment with values during the design process.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
SupplyCaddy
Dazmii
Email Eric at [email protected]
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
Show Notes: Eric Norman on Packaging Specifications
Introduction
In this episode, Adam interviews Eric Norman, a partner and senior consultant with Specs and the Spec Squad lead at Dazmii, who has over 23 years of experience in packaging engineering. Eric shares his journey from studying psychology and computer science to becoming a packaging engineer and his love for the food and beverage packaging industry. He also talks about his passion for data and how it led him to create SpecRight, a concept for spec data management.
Overview
In this interview, Eric and Adam discuss Eric’s background, his journey to becoming a packaging engineer, the importance of packaging specifications, the challenges faced by the industry, and Eric’s vision for the future of packaging. They also touch on the similarities and differences between various industries that require packaging. Eric explains how his company, Spec Right, helps CPG companies manage their spec data by normalizing it and putting it all in one place. He also talks about the importance of change management and organizational change management when implementing new systems.
Timestamped Chapter Summary
* Introduction to Eric Norman and his background (00:00:00)
* Eric’s journey to becoming a packaging engineer (00:01:45)
* Eric’s experience in the food and beverage packaging industry (00:03:24)
* Eric’s passion for data and creating Spec Right (00:04:03)
* The importance of packaging specifications (00:07:14)
* The challenges faced by the packaging industry (00:09:55)
* The similarities and differences between various industries that require packaging (00:06:12)
* How Spec Right helps CPG companies manage their spec data (00:12:21)
* The importance of change management and organizational change management (00:15:10)
* Eric’s vision for the future of packaging (00:17:40)
* The impact of sustainability on packaging (00:19:58)
* The role of technology in packaging (00:24:39)
* The missing data in extended producer responsibility and sustainability (00:18:52)
* Spec Squad’s VRO process and supporting clients with various systems (00:19:18)
* Leveraging technology to connect everyone together in one system (00:19:54)
* The importance of standardization for AI in packaging (00:21:58)
* The role of data in enabling companies to work smarter and faster (00:21:52)
* Utilizing packaging students in Spec Squad (00:23:31)
* Eric’s advice for those interested in packaging engineering (00:31:16)
* Eric’s accessibility to all universities (00:25:12)
* The role of CSU Rammies in packaging (00:25:44)
* Cookies and Clean in Phoenix, Arizona (00:26:09)
Relevant Links/Resources/References
* Specs:
https://www.specsservices.com/
* Dazmii:
https://dazmii.com/
* SpecRight:
https://specright.com/
Quotable Phrases/Takeaways
* “Packaging is not just a box. It’s the delivery system for the brand.” (00:08:57)
* “The packaging industry is a very complex industry. There are a lot of regulations and a lot of stakeholders involved.” (00:10:10)
* “Packaging is going to become more intelligent, more connected, and more sustainable.” (00:17:40)
* “Sustainability is not just about the environment. It’s also about the economics and the social impact.” (00:21:06)
* “Technology is going to be a game-changer for the packaging industry.” (00:25:47)
Social Media Handles/CTAs
* Adam: Twitter - @packagingpastor
* Eric: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-norman-6b9a5a/
Conclusion
Eric Norman’s journey to becoming a packaging engineer and his passion for data have led him to create SpecRight, a concept for spec data management. In this interview, Eric and Adam discuss the importance of packaging specifications, the challenges faced by the industry, and Eric’s vision for the future of packaging. With sustainability and technology playing a crucial role, packaging is set to become more intelligent, connected, and sustainable. Eric and Adam also touch on the similarities and differences between various industries that require packaging. If you’re interested in packaging engineering, Eric’s advice is to stay curious, stay informed, and keep learning. Additionally, Eric discusses the missing data in extended producer responsibility and sustainability, the VRO process of Spec Squad, leveraging technology to connect everyone together in one system, the importance of standardization for AI in packaging, and the role of data in enabling companies to work smarter and faster. Eric is accessible to all universities, including CSU Rammies, and he recommends Cookies and Clean in Phoenix for pet grooming.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe -
Specright and Packaging Info
Meyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBook
Sponsor information!
If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!
SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.
[SUMMARY]:
Circularity 2021 was a two-day conference that brought together people from various industries to discuss sustainability. Corey and Adam attended the event and shared their experience. They met new people, made new connections, and attended some great sessions. One of the highlights of the conference was the US Plastics Pack presentation of the awards, which attracted a crowd of around 1200 people. The event also had micro-presentations lasting one to two minutes, which allowed small companies to present their ideas quickly. Corey and Adam attended a recycling conversation featuring representatives from the Recycling Partnership, Eureka Recycling, Nestle, a sustainability consultant, and a PCR or Virgin plastic manufacturer. The discussion focused on why sustainability goals were not being met and the roles that different stakeholders could play. Adam asked a question about the impact of labels and RFID on recycling, which led to more follow-up from the panel. Corey had lunch with a group of people discussing repair and sustainability, which led to a conversation about packaging. They also met with the R Cup people who were doing reusable cups at music venues and sports venues. Adam met with Nashil Sony, who's building a whole startup around software and pet recycling, and was able to make connections for him with some other folks. The conference had a pre-competition collaborative energy, with companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, Coke, and Pepsi working together on sustainability initiatives. They discussed standardizing packaging and using technology like near-infrared handheld scanners to test materials for recycling. Overall, Corey and Adam found the conference to be informative and a great opportunity to learn from people who are smarter than them.**Guest Introduction**
In this episode of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors, Cory and Adam are coming to us live from Circularity 23 in Seattle. Cory and Adam are two of the most influential voices in sustainable packaging and they share their experiences and insights from the conference.
**Overview**
In this episode, Cory and Adam discuss their experience at Circularity 23, the largest circular economy event in North America. They share their highlights from the conference, including the US Plastics Pact presentation, the recycling conversation, and the roundtable discussion on repair. They also discuss the importance of making new connections and the role that everyone can play in achieving sustainability goals.
**Timestamped Chapter Summary**
- 0:00:00 - Introduction
- 0:00:27 - Overview of the conference
- 0:01:11 - Highlights from the conference
- 0:02:30 - The US Plastics Pack presentation
- 0:03:41 - The recycling conversation
- 0:05:15 - The impact of labels and RFID on recycling
- 0:06:38 - The importance of repair and sustainability
- 0:07:35 - Making new connections
- 0:08:20 - The role that everyone can play in achieving sustainability goals
**Links and Resources**
- US Plastics Pack
- Eureka Recycling
- Myers Printing
- iFixit
**Quotable**
- "It's been a tiring day as I think most conferences get on day two. Lots of great sessions, lots of great people, lots of great energy." - Adam
- "One of the best conferences I've ever been to. So well put together. The food is amazing, the people are amazing, and the press are the best." - Corey
- "I love being able to listen to them, listen to their concerns, listen, get a different perspective on why our goals are not being met and the roles that we look at, that the goals aren't being met and the roles that we can all play." - Adam
- "It was just quick and it felt like TikTok sessions." - Corey
**Social Media Handles**
- Corey Connors: @coreyconnors
- Adam: @adampackaging
**Conclusion**
Corey and Adam share their insights from Circularity 23 and the importance of making new connections and playing a role in achieving sustainability goals. They highlight the US Plastics Pack presentation, the recycling conversation, and the roundtable discussion on repair as some of the key highlights of the conference. With the right mindset and collaboration, achieving sustainability goals is possible.
Guest Introduction
In this episode of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors, Cory and Adam are coming to us live from Circularity 23 in Seattle. Cory and Adam are two of the most influential voices in sustainable packaging and they share their experiences and insights from the conference.
Overview
In this episode, Cory and Adam discuss their experience at Circularity 23, the largest circular economy event in North America. They share their highlights from the conference, including the US Plastics Pact presentation, the recycling conversation, and the roundtable discussion on repair. They also discuss the importance of making new connections and the role that everyone can play in achieving sustainability goals.
Timestamped Chapter Summary
* 0:00:00 - Introduction
* 0:00:27 - Overview of the conference
* 0:01:11 - Highlights from the conference
* 0:02:30 - The US Plastics Pack presentation
* 0:03:41 - The recycling conversation
* 0:05:15 - The impact of labels and RFID on recycling
* 0:06:38 - The importance of repair and sustainability
* 0:07:35 - Making new connections
* 0:08:20 - The role that everyone can play in achieving sustainability goals
Links and Resources
* US Plastics Pack
* Eureka Recycling
* Myers Printing
* iFixit
Quotable
* "It's been a tiring day as I think most conferences get on day two. Lots of great sessions, lots of great people, lots of great energy." - Adam
* "One of the best conferences I've ever been to. So well put together. The food is amazing, the people are amazing, and the press are the best." - Corey
* "I love being able to listen to them, listen to their concerns, listen, get a different perspective on why our goals are not being met and the roles that we look at, that the goals aren't being met and the roles that we can all play." - Adam
* "It was just quick and it felt like TikTok sessions." - Corey
Social Media Handles
* Cory Connors: @corygated
* Adam: @packagingpastor
Conclusion
Corey and Adam share their insights from Circularity 23 and the importance of making new connections and playing a role in achieving sustainability goals. They highlight the US Plastics Pack presentation, the recycling conversation, and the roundtable discussion on repair as some of the key highlights of the conference. With the right mindset and collaboration, achieving sustainability goals is possible.
[TRANSCRIPT]
[0:00:00] (Adam): Hey, you are live so we don't our audio. Oh, testing. Guys, listen, it's been a long day, the audio is not working, laptops aren't getting hooked up to the internet. We're rolling on the cell phone. Coming to you live from circularity with the band end.
[0:00:27] (Corey): Backstage. All access.
[0:00:29] (Adam): Yeah, look at that, all access pass speaker with the DJ press. Anyway, apparently we're live now. My iPad hasn't for me.
[0:00:41] (Corey): Corey, we did it, we're exhausted. I still have another half day tomorrow but it's been an awesome time. I'm so thankful that you were here. We met a lot of great people and connected with people a lot for the first time, which is not normal for us usually we know most people, but to make some new connections, some brand new people, brand new companies, very excited, no doubt.
[0:01:11] (Adam): Yeah, it's been a tiring day as I think most conferences get on day two. Lots of lots of coffee being consumed by myself and lots of great sessions, lots of great people continued, lots of great energy. Corey is going to be here tomorrow. I'm on a flight back home to Salt Lake City so if you are able to watch us right now, that's great. I know it's like 07:00 on the east coast, hopefully you're not watching us, hopefully you're spending time with your family and you see this on replay and you decide to comment on or whatever. But corey.
[0:01:49] (Corey): What's?
[0:01:49] (Adam): Maybe a highlight or two from the day. I'm going to pretend like we have a microphone. This microphone doesn't work. But Corey, why don't you talk about the copy that you don't really have to pretend.
[0:02:08] (Corey): We got to experience the largest crowd I've ever seen in my career. I think it was probably 1200 people listening to the US Plastics packed presentation of the awards up on the 7th floor. Did you go up there for anything?
[0:02:29] (Adam): Wow.
[0:02:30] (Corey): We've been saying that there's four floors of presentation there's four floors and seven years ago.
[0:02:38] (Adam): Yeah. Is what I think is the way it is.
[0:02:41] (Corey): That was Abraham Lincoln.
[0:02:44] (Adam): Oh, never mind.
[0:02:45] (Corey): Yeah, nothing to do with nothing to do.
[0:02:47] (Adam): I mean it could be well, nice.
[0:02:49] (Corey): Hat, he liked boxes. But to watch Emily Pauldo and the team from the US plastics Pack present percent and to see the award winners which I have got the honor to interview them all yesterday for my podcast. Sustainable Packaging podcast with Corey Connors was amazing and to get to see that many people and I think what was cool in addition to that, John SME and team at Circularity 23, they had these micro presentations like two minutes or a minute and a half and I just thought that was really cool. They let small companies come up and present, this is our idea, this is what we're doing.
[0:03:41] (Corey): Here's why it's great, here's why it's important. And it was just quick and it felt like TikTok sessions and I think this is a lot of the problem with these advances. Some of the presentations can be very long and very uninteresting and uninformed and.
[0:04:01] (Adam): Not ours when we present the best. No, we're clearly right, Chris.
[0:04:05] (Corey): Yeah, we're perfect. But no, most have been incredible here and one of the best conferences I've ever been to. So well put together. The food is amazing, the people are amazing, and the press are the best.
[0:04:21] (Adam): I think clearly the social media influencers are top their game.
[0:04:25] (Corey): Two of the best in the building.
[0:04:27] (Adam): Yeah. Obviously, Corey and I got to sit in on a recycling conversation. It was the recycling partnership, eureka Recycling. Chastity from Nestle was there. There was a sustainability consultant and then a PCR or Virgin plastic manufacturer, I believe, and that was fantastic. I love being able to listen to them, listen to their concerns, listen, get a different perspective on why our goals are not being met and the roles that we look at, that the goals aren't being met and the roles that we can all play.
[0:05:15] (Adam): I thought that was a really well done, well worth it. 1 hour of time. I got to ask a question about the impact that labels and RFID might have and actually have gotten a lot of more follow up from that from the panel. So we're going to be kate Davenport is up at Eureka Recycling in Minneapolis. And so Myers Printing, where you should go for all of your printed packaging and label needs. We're going to go see the facility and check out what they're doing and just get an even more better understanding of what our products actually do in the recycling stream.
[0:05:58] (Adam): And then what was really cool I don't know. We haven't connected since then. But at lunch, were you at a table with a, like, a roundtable discussion?
[0:06:09] (Corey): I met no, I was at a table, but eating. But no, it was rectangle.
[0:06:18] (Adam): So I went into a room and they had these table tents, and it was like, here's the conversation. So mine was this guy from I fixit, I fixit.com these guys. And I thought, what am I doing here? Why did I sit down?
[0:06:36] (Corey): What happened here?
[0:06:38] (Adam): There are people who are there. And I was like, you all are so smart. And what was really cool about it was just listening to why repair is sustainable and why that is struggling to get traction. And then they started asking me questions about packaging, and I was like, thank you. I can finally right.
[0:06:58] (Corey): Something in mind.
[0:06:58] (Adam): I don't know about electronics recycling, right. But it was a phenomenal conversation, one that I was not prepared for. I sat down to eat, and all of a sudden, I'm in the middle of the repair manifesto conversation. But it was fantastic. I learned a lot. It's one of my favorite things about hosting the podcast, is just being able to learn from people who are smarter than me. So if you've been on my podcast?
[0:07:22] (Corey): No.
[0:07:23] (Adam): You're smarter than me, except for Corey. We're unequal. We're equally at the bottom. But we're most smarter than Avalio. Yeah.
[0:07:31] (Corey): Sorry, Avalio. When you're not here, we get to make fun of you.
[0:07:35] (Adam): It's quite true. But yeah. So, day two, I thought I was only in the one session and then had some stuff with work that I was doing. And then I had the roundtable lunch. And then subsequently I met with the R Cup people who were doing Reusable cups at music venues and sports venues. And that was fascinating. I'm super excited to keep following what they're doing. They've got a partnership with you, too.
[0:08:03] (Adam): I met with my friend Nashil Sony, who's building a whole startup around software and pet recycling, was able to make connections for him with some other folks. And it was just a very dynamic day.
[0:08:16] (Corey): I connected with him. He said, Adam said that I should talk to you. And I said, okay.
[0:08:21] (Adam): Yes.
[0:08:22] (Corey): Great.
[0:08:22] (Adam): Perfect. Yeah. That's kind of what this whole thing is about. I heard a term I'd never heard before, which was and then I've forgotten it. Pre competitive or pre competition. So there was somebody there from, like, Mattel, and then he said, yes, we would love to work with Hasbro or Lego on these sustainability initiatives. Or it was mentioned about Coke and Pepsi working together on sustainability initiatives.
[0:08:53] (Adam): There's very much that kind of energy here. This pre competition collaborative. Let's work on some stuff.
[0:09:05] (Corey): What if packaging was standardized? What if Coke and Pepsi had the same shape bottle? Why not? We know what the label means. We know that the label differentiates it.
[0:09:15] (Adam): It's clearly the most important. I mean, everyone loves labels.
[0:09:17] (Corey): Yeah, labels are great.
[0:09:19] (Adam): If you love labels, you should buy.
[0:09:20] (Corey): Them from Label Company. Let me know.
[0:09:22] (Adam): Yeah. Wow.
[0:09:25] (Corey): It's a fantastic concept, and I think it's a part of the future.
[0:09:30] (Adam): Yeah. The other booth that I saw that I actually made a TikTok video about. Was it B-A-M-F? That's bad. No, that's not. They're one of the largest companies in the world and I chemical Company. The chemical company. But they have a little spin off where they have near infrared handheld scanners that any company can have or really any person could have. It's $120 a month. You can take the scanner and you can scan your material and see if it's going to pass the near infrared technology when it goes to the murph.
[0:10:10] (Adam): And so I thought that was pretty BAMF when it comes to recycling. Yes, exactly. No, that was really cool, though, to see that there's technology that's available for regular people.
[0:10:27] (Corey): Well, and as a packaging supplier, aurora would be very interested in that. We want to be able to show our customers that, look, here is a test that says this material will get recycled. What a cool concept. What an important concept to be able to standardize that to test it, to show the result, and it produces a graph and really cool.
[0:10:55] (Adam): Yeah.
[0:10:56] (Corey): And what he was showing us was how this Htpe bottle had a shrink graph sleeve and those materials were different and the scanner could tell the difference between the two. Fascinating.
[0:11:12] (Adam): Yeah. I thought that it was super informative, and that's kind of been the general feel. It's just like, let's help each other, let's inform one another because this is a conference about Circularity, and GreenBiz has done a phenomenal job, incredible with it. It's like the Marcos Pizza of conferences.
[0:11:33] (Corey): It might be. Why do I keep the Pizza Hut?
[0:11:37] (Adam): Bring up Marcos Pizza. Well, it doesn't look like anybody wanted to comment, and that's okay.
[0:11:42] (Corey): That's all right. We're fine, if you will.
[0:11:44] (Adam): We do. And if you catch us on replay, please feel free to comment and we'll try to jump in and answer anything. Corey, any last Monday?
[0:11:52] (Corey): Yeah, we'll see you Monday. Stay tuned for four podcast episodes, at least from this. Actually, it'll be five by the time I'm done. And then we did our live yesterday. So thank you all for listening and for participating in our content. We truly appreciate it. We love what we do.
[0:12:10] (Adam): And if someone who is here from Spec right, watching this, I got a ton of questions about Spec right. You should be at circularity. There's a lot of people ask me questions I'm like, I mean, I know enough to be dangerous, but you got to talk to the people. There lots of data questions, lots of EPR questions. So. Adam laura matthew ah. Simon hyman. Yeah, we'll make sure that you get out here next year, but it was great. Thanks, everybody.
[0:12:36] (Adam): Appreciate it. And like I said, feel free to drop some comments in and we will do our best to answer them. Goodbye.
Get full access to Packaging Is Awesome with Adam Peek at www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe - Se mer
